re: #577 Killgore Trout

I think there’s a not so secret diplomatic code for these kinds of things. Despite the headlines yesterday, Obama’s speech gave a pretty clear signal that military response isn’t being considered for now. I’m sure there are more clear backchannel forms of communication. These things can get a bit dangerous if there’s a miscommunication, misunderstanding or if the Russians get too ambitious. They probably have a decent idea of where our real “red line” is and how much they can get away with.

More than a few conflicts have started because one side either failed to communicate their ‘red line’ clearly, or the other side thought, “Ah, it’s the biggest bluff ever - they’re full of shit” and then - BOOM.